Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

Carboxyhemoglobin levels above 10% in non-smokers can confirm a diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially when correlated with the clinical presentation and exposure history. The symptoms of headache, dizziness, and confusion are common in cases of carbon monoxide exposure, and elevated carboxyhemoglobin levels further support this diagnosis. Pulse oximetry readings can be normal in carbon monoxide poisoning because it measures oxygen saturation, not carbon monoxide levels. X-ray findings are generally not helpful in diagnosing carbon monoxide poisoning as they do not reveal gas levels. The presence of flu-like symptoms alone would not be definitive without measuring carboxyhemoglobin levels.